If you’re tired of living with a crooked, overcrowded, or misaligned smile, braces are a good idea to help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile. At Senan Orthodontic Studios in McAllen, TX, Dr. Ziadeh and his trusted team want to show you how simple enhancing the appearance of your smile can be. Before scheduling your consultation, you should know how wearing braces and orthodontic rubber bands could benefit you.
Overview of Braces
When it comes to correcting damaged or imperfect smiles, traditional braces are an effective way to improve the appearance, function, and overall health of your teeth to create a beautiful smile. Braces are orthodontic appliances made of metal brackets and wires that adhere to your teeth’ surface. Because they’re glued to your teeth, braces cannot be removed until your treatment process is complete (usually around two years). However, to achieve the best results, part of your orthodontic treatment plan may require different configurations to achieve the result of a straighter smile.
How Do Braces Change the Appearance of Your Smile?
Braces are used to treat a variety of oral health concerns that affect your teeth and jaws. They can manipulate the position of your teeth and/or jaws by gradually tightening the metal wires that hold your brackets together throughout your treatment process. When the wires are tightened, gentle pressure is applied to the brackets, and your teeth will slowly move to the desired position. In many instances, rubber bands are also used to apply additional pressure and assist the brackets and wires in repositioning your teeth or jaws.
Common orthodontic problems that braces can resolve include:
- Spaces between your teeth
- Overcrowding
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Overbite
How Do Rubber Bands Work to Correct Your Teeth with Braces?
Depending on the condition of your teeth, Dr. Ziadeh may recommend that your wear rubber bands during your orthodontic treatment. The purpose of rubber bands can be positioned differently and attached to small hooks on your brackets for optimal results. Wearing your rubber bands as directed by your orthodontist is a critical step in achieving a beautifully straight, even smile as quickly as possible. While the brackets and wires that makeup braces can effectively straighten your teeth, tiny rubber bands are responsible for correcting how your teeth and jaw fit together.
What Should You Avoid Doing When Wearing Rubber Bands?
When trying to understand the different types of orthodontic elastics, certain lifestyle changes should be made to protect your braces from breaking and ensure your teeth stay healthy during treatment. When wearing orthodontic elastic bands, it’s best to avoid the following to ensure correct alignment as part of your treatment:
- Certain food restrictions: Eating foods that are hard, sticky, or crunchy while wearing them that could damage your braces or teeth
- Stretching them out: This could cause them to be incapable of applying the necessary pressure to move your teeth or jaw
- Double up on them: This could create too much pressure and damage your teeth
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your experience with braces and elastic rubber bands goes smoothly in the shortest amount of time:
- Wear your rubber bands as directed
- Keep plenty of extra rubber bands on hand
- Wash your hands before removing and/or replacing them
Schedule Your Consultation at Senan Orthodontic Studios in McAllen
Achieving the beautifully straight smile you’ve always wanted shouldn’t be complicated. At Senan Orthodontic Studios, we are proud to help patients of all ages improve their smiles’ aesthetics, comfort, and function in a comfortable, relaxing setting. If you’re tired of hiding your imperfect teeth from the world, now’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ziadeh and his trusted team to improve your overall oral health. Contact us today to learn more about how braces could change your life. We can’t wait to show you how wonderful living with a beautiful, healthy smile can be!
Dr. Senan K. Ziadeh
BDS DDS MScD DScD CAGS Ortho
ABO Diplomate
Dr. Senan Ziadeh, a board-certified orthodontist, brings over two decades of experience to his practice, Senan Orthodontic Studios, in McAllen, Texas. His illustrious career spans three continents, where he acquired a vast array of post-doctoral degrees, including a Doctorate of Science in Dentistry (DScD) and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Orthodontics (CAGS), culminating in his recognition as a Diplomate by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Alongside his professional accomplishments, Dr. Ziadeh is a dedicated family man, enjoying diverse activities from traveling to music.
